Maison Cassagne and Vitailles, “Combarels. De l’Ombre” – 2020, Terrasses du Larzac

The wine has a pale ruby color. The nose is aromatic and expressive, very fresh, with a beautiful fruity bouquet. It reveals notes of small juicy red fruits (cranberries, red cherry, lingonberry), tangy black fruits (blackberry, Morello cherry, cassis), a refined and complex spiciness of peppery notes completed by delicate hints of liquorice, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. The freshness of wine is bright, floral and herbal: there are elegant notes of dried herbs (mint, bay leaf, thyme) and pleasant hint of fresh herbs and flowers (rosemary, violet). On the palate, the flavors are fruity and juicy, with lots of red fruit: cranberries, lingonberry, red cherries, Morello cherries, strawberries, raspberries and tart redcurrant. There is a delicate hint of minerality and smoke (flint), as well as expressive and persistent, but well integrated notes of liquorice, eucalyptus and dried herbs (mint, oregano, thyme). Exceptional persistence, a juicy and fresh finish, with a crisp acidity, of a high level. The tannins are elegant and well-structured, with a supple and velvety texture. Very long finish with a slight spiciness and a good bitterness of cocoa. A very complex wine, concentrated, but refined and elegant.